Ravens Sign Former Morgan State tight end Visanthe Shianco

After being drafted out of Morgan State University (Baltimore) into the NFL 10 years, the Washington D.C. native and current P.G. County resident has signed with the Baltimore Ravens. He signed a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum of $940,000.

Shiancoe played 148 games, 90 as a starting tight end, for three different teams, including the New York Giants (four years), Minnesota Vikings (five years) and most recently the New England Patriots. Now he’s a Raven after being picked up to help fill a void after Ravens’ starting tight end Dennis Pitta suffered a season-ending hip injury during the first week of training camp.

“[Pitta’s injury] is unfortunate, but it’s almost just like the next guy has to step up, and the team has to go on and still prepare,” Shiancoe said. “They owe it to the fans; they owe it to themselves.”

The 33-year-old tight end will compete for the backup tight-end position behind four-year veteran Ed Dickson; the Ravens had plans of using a two-tight end formation often this coming season so Shiancoe may end up serving in a very productive role in the team’s offensive game plan.

In 10 years, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound red-zone target has caught 243 catches for 2,677 yards (11.0 avg.) and 27 touchdowns. His most productive season was in 2009 when he shagged a career-high 56 catches for 566 yards and a career-best 11 touchdowns.

Shiancoe was also a productive tight end while at Morgan State, catching 52 passes for 1001 yards in 30 career games for the university. He led Morgan State to its most recent NCAA Division I-AA playoffs appearance during his senior season in 2003 while also earning all Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) First Team honors.

“I’m going to work as hard as I can,” Shiancoe said during his first Ravens practice. “Nothing is given. You have to earn everything, and I understand that.

That’s what I’ve come in here to do. I have come in here nice and humble.”